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Incredibly Easy Hummus Recipe: Ready in Just 5 Minutes!
Nothing beats the taste of homemade hummus, especially when it’s this easy to make! In just under 5 minutes, you can have a smooth, creamy, and absolutely delicious dip that’s perfect for snacking, spreading, or adding to your favorite dishes. With just a handful of simple ingredients—canned chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, a pinch of salt, and a splash of water—you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought hummus in the first place.
What Is Hummus?
Hummus is a creamy, delicious dip that originated in the Middle East, with chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) as its star ingredient. In Arabic, “hummus” literally means chickpea. Over the years, this classic dip has gained popularity worldwide, with countless variations. But at its core, traditional hummus is all about simple, wholesome ingredients: chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
This recipe stays true to those roots while being incredibly easy to whip up whenever you need a quick and tasty snack.
What you’ll need:
You only need 6 simple ingredients to make this delicious hummus (well, technically 4, if you don’t count water and salt):
- 1 can (15 oz) of cooked chickpeas (or 1 ½ cups cooked) : Canned chickpeas work perfectly for homemade hummus, saving you the hassle of soaking or cooking them from scratch. They blend into a smooth, creamy base with minimal effort.
- ¼ cup tahin : Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is the secret to hummus’s signature nuttiness and creamy texture. Make sure to use a high-quality tahini with no added oils or fillers.
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice : Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the tahini. It’s essential for that zesty kick that makes hummus so irresistible.
- 1-2 garlic cloves: Garlic adds a robust, savory depth to hummus. If you’re not a fan of raw garlic, you can use roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
- ¼ cup cold water: Water helps achieve the perfect consistency, making your hummus smooth and fluffy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to get it just right.
- Sea salt, to taste: A little bit of salt goes a long way in bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients, making your hummus absolutely delicious.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Drizzle it on top for a richer flavor and a beautiful finish.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Adds a warm, earthy note that complements the other flavors.
- Smoked paprika and parsley leaves
- For garnish, adding a pop of color and a subtle spice.
How To Make It
This recipe couldn’t be simpler! Here’s how to do it:
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a food processor or high-speed blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Start blending, and slowly add the cold water (or ice cubes if you prefer) until you reach a creamy consistency. This usually takes about 2-4 minutes. The longer you blend, the smoother your hummus will be.
- Taste and Adjust: Check the flavor and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice, salt, or garlic to suit your taste.
- Serve: Transfer your hummus to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with your favorite toppings like smoked paprika or fresh parsley.
How To Serve Hummus
Hummus is traditionally served as part of a mezze—a selection of small dishes served as appetizers in Middle Eastern cuisine. But it’s also incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many other ways:
- As a Snack: Pair with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumbers.
- With Bread: Serve as a dip for pita bread, chips, or crackers.
- In Sandwiches: Spread on sandwiches or wraps for a delicious, healthy filling.
- As a Sauce: Thin it out with water and use it as a creamy sauce for pasta or grain bowls.
Optional Toppings
While this hummus is delicious on its own, you can easily elevate it with some creative toppings:
- Crispy Chickpeas and Harissa
- Olives and Chili Flakes
- Fresh Cherry Tomatoes and Oregano
- Lemon Zest and Cucumber Cubes
- Salsa and Corn for a Mexican Twist
The possibilities are endless—just have fun with it!
How To Store
Hummus is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving to restore its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hummus Healthy?
Absolutely! Hummus is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a great addition to any diet. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.
What Can I Use Instead of Tahini?
If you’re out of tahini or want a different flavor, cashew butter or almond butter make great substitutes. You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Do I Need to Remove Chickpea Skins?
Some people say removing the skins makes for smoother hummus, but I find it unnecessary. It’s extra work, and leaving the skins on adds more fiber to your hummus.
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make.
- Ready in just 5 minutes.
- Way better than store-bought.
- Made with wholesome ingredients.
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
If you try this easy homemade hummus recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how much you liked it!
Feel free to adjust or add any personal touches!
Hummus
- 15 oz. canned chickpeas, drained – (or 1 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas)
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 fresh lemon, juiced
- 1 garlic clove – peeled
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
OPTIONAL
- Ground cumin 1/2 tsp
TOPPINGS
- Ground paprika/sumac
- fresh parsley
Directions
- Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- If the hummus is a bit too thick, add some more water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Taste to check the seasoning.
- Garnish with toppings. You can choose from smoked paprika, fresh parsley, red chili flakes, or any other suggestions I added in the notes.
The hummus keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Toppings ideas: Try crispy chickpeas and harissa, or add some olives and chili flakes. Turn it into a bruschetta by sprinkling it with fresh cherry tomatoes and oregano. Or add some lemon zest and cucumber cubes for a summery feast.
If you want to use homecooked chickpeas: Use 1 1/2 cups
How to freeze hummus: Store it in freezer safe containers for up to 4 months, but the longer you leave it there, the more flavor it’ll lose. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Make sure to stir it up well before eating it to restore its original creamy texture.
